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Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Life of Sea | Megalodon Shark | The megalodon shark (Carcharodon megalodon) was a massive being that would put modern day sea predators to shame. If you are currently afraid of the great white shark, then I'm sure you're happy that you don't have to worry about the megalodon creeping up under your sailboat. This colossal being was not one to mess with, and although the megalodon is now extinct, its memory most definitely deserves to be respected and well known.

Interestingly enough, there are many who refuse to believe that the megalodon shark is indeed extinct. Skeptics feel as if the megalodon shark may possibly be in existence deep down in the ocean. While it is true that we have not explored every inch of the world's oceans, and it is likely that there are undiscovered species living in the depths of the waters, the belief that the megalodon shark may still be alive today has yet to be proven.

Sharks are known for shedding hundreds of teeth on a regular basis; if the megalodon shark was still alive, they would be expected to shed the most teeth out of all of these sharks. Every megalodon tooth that has been found is ancient. Until a fresh megalodon tooth, a "megatooth" shark sighting, or some other form of proof has been presented, it is determined that this ancient shark is most definitely extinct.

Scientists have studied megalodon teeth that were found in Africa, North America, South America, India, Australia, Japan, and Europe.

Based on the locations that these teeth were unearthed, it is the firm belief that they thrived in the world's warmer waters. As mentioned earlier, scientists are still trying to uncover particulars of this prehistoric shark, including their diet. Since the great white shark is a descendant of the "megatooth" shark, most believe that the diet of the great white shark reflected that of the megalodon. However, based on the serration marks found on the "mega" teeth of the ancient shark, it is believed that they also fed upon whales.